Synthesis, bioactive properties, and biomedical applications of intrinsically therapeutic nanoparticles for disease treatment

Intrinsically therapeutic nanoparticles (ITNPs) are a special class of nanomaterials with capabilities of self-triggering bioactive activities (without drug) when interacting with biological entities of interest. Typical bioactive features of ITNPs are antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antiangiogenic, and antibacterial properties, which can be medicinally exploited to treat a variety of diseases. Recently, ITNPs have considerably contributed to the development of numerous therapeutic modalities, simplified the formulation of nanotherapeutics, and promoted the translations of these intriguing biomaterials from bench to bedside. Therefore, this review summarizes, analyzes, and discusses recent advances of ITNPs in the treatment of diseases associated with four main risk factors: oxidative stress, inflammation, angiogenesis, and infection. Specifically, an update on the syntheses, bioactive properties, and biomedical assessments of ITNPs is provided. Moreover, therapeutic efficacies of ITNPs in pre/clinical trials are deliberated with respect to their physical/chemical characteristics; challenges and perspectives toward the clinical translation of ITNPs are also highlighted.